Game management method, game management system, and game management program for synchronizing game progress at a plurality of devices in different communication states

ABSTRACT

A game management system that retrieves a delay time of each of a plurality of user devices playing a game; stores the delay times retrieved from each of the plurality of user devices; and transmits an instruction to synchronize game progress to each of the user devices, the instruction including an offset time determined based on a maximum value of the stored delay times.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/417,200, filed May 20, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/133,292, filed Sep. 17, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No.10,322,341, issued Jun. 18, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/607,764, filed Jan. 28, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.10,105,598, issued Oct. 23, 2018, which claims the benefit of JapanesePriority Application No. JP 2014-015580, filed Jan. 30, 2014. The entirecontents of each of these documents are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a game management method, a gamemanagement system and a game management program, and more specificallyto a method, system, and program for synchronizing game progress at aplurality of computer devices in different communication states.

In recent years, application software such as various online games hasbeen provided to users using computer devices such as smartphones. Suchcomputer devices can be connected to other computer devices via anetwork such as the Internet so that the users of the computer devicescan enjoy a game match with players distant from the users.

However, a communication delay may occur between computer devicesconnected via a communication network. Therefore, data processingmethods have been considered in which data is processed almostsimultaneously in computer devices. For example, see Japanese Laid-OpenPatent Publication No. 2007-260410. The server described in the documentpreviously measures a delay time between the server and each computerdevice before a game starts when the users of a plurality of computerdevices having a communication delay play a computer game via a network.The server synchronizes a time counted by each computer device based onthe delay time. In the progress of the game, an operation data signal isprocessed when the maximum delay time among the previously-measureddelay times elapses since the operation data signal is generated.Thereby, the computer devices process the operation data signalsimultaneously.

However, a communication state of client devices may change during agame. In this case, the synchronization of the game progress may fail.

SUMMARY

It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide a method, systemand program for synchronizing game progress at a plurality of computerdevices in different communication states.

To achieve the foregoing objective and in accordance with one aspect ofthe present disclosure, a game management method using a game managementsystem is provided. The system includes a control unit connected to aplurality of user devices and adapted to manage game progress and astorage unit for storing delay times of the user devices. The controlunit continuously retrieves a delay time of each of the user devicesplaying a game in a group, and stores the delay time in the storageunit, and transmits an instruction of synchronizing a game progressincluding a moratorium time to each user device based on a maximum valueof the delay times stored in the storage unit in order to synchronizethe game progress of the game management system and each of the userdevices.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, anon-transitory computer-readable recording medium is provided thatstores therein a program for executing a game management method by useof a computer. The computer includes a control unit connected to aplurality of user devices and adapted to manage game progress and astorage unit for storing delay times of the user devices. When theprogram is executed, the control unit is operable to: continuouslyretrieve a delay time of each of the user devices playing a game in agroup and store the delay time in the storage unit; and transmit aninstruction of synchronizing a game progress including a moratorium timeto each user device based on a maximum value of the delay times storedin the storage unit in order to synchronize the game progress betweenthe game management system and each of the user devices.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a gamemanagement system is provided that includes a control unit connected toa plurality of user devices and adapted to manage game progress and astorage unit for storing delay times of the user devices. The controlunit continuously retrieves a delay time of each of the user devicesplaying a game in a group and stores the delay time it in the storageunit. The control unit also transmits an instruction of synchronizing agame progress including a moratorium time to each user device based on amaximum value of the delay times stored in the storage unit in order tosynchronize the game progress between the game management system and theuser device.

Other aspects and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent fromthe following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of thedisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure, together with objects and advantages thereof, may bestbe understood by reference to the following description of the presentlypreferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 2 to 4 are explanatory diagrams of processing procedures of thesystem of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are timing charts of the system of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 7 to 9 are explanatory diagrams of processing procedures of asystem according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One embodiment of a game management method will be described below withreference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In the present embodiment, it is assumed thata game management system provides a plurality of user devices (clients)with game contents (role-playing game) played in synchronization. Thegame progress is managed by step numbers incremented over time.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a plurality of userdevices 10 are connected to a management server 20 (game managementsystem) via a network such as the Internet.

The user devices 10 are computer devices (information processing devicessuch as smartphones) used by users playing a game. Each user device 10includes a communication unit as well as an input unit and an outputunit such a touch panel display. The user device 10 further includes adelay processing unit 11 and a game processing unit 12 as control unitsincluding a CPU, a RAM, and ROM.

The delay processing unit 11 continuously measures latency for aconnection state with the management server 20, or a delay time betweena request for data transfer or the like and a return of its result, andtransmits the measured latency to the management server 20. In thepresent embodiment, although it is assumed that the delay processingunit 11 periodically measures latency for continuous measurement, thedelay processing unit 11 can irregularly or continuously measurelatency. That is, a measurement time interval may be “irregular” or“continuous.” Further, the game processing unit 12 stores data onlatency transmitted to the management server 20.

The game processing unit 12 functions by an application forgame-playing, and manages a game progress. Further, the game processingunit 12 transmits a request corresponding to a user operation to themanagement server 20 and performs an event based on an instructionretrieved from the management server 20.

The management server 20 is a server computer that provides each userdevice 10 with various game contents.

The management server 20 includes a control unit 21 including a CPU, aRAM, and a ROM, a user information storage unit 22, a connection statestorage unit 23, and a game information storage unit 24. The controlunit 21 functions as a user management unit 211, a delay management unit212, a game management unit 213, and a progress management unit 214 byexecuting a management program.

The user management unit 211 manages users using the game.

The delay management unit 212 manages a connection state with each userdevice 10. Specifically, the delay management unit 212 retrieves latencyinformation from each user device 10 and determines a connection stateof the corresponding user device 10. The delay management unit 212further stores data on a threshold for determining a user device 10(client abnormality) that has a high latency and a hindrance in the gameprogress.

The game management unit 213 manages the game progress in each userdevice 10. In the present embodiment, the game management unit 213starts the game for each user device 10, retrieves a request from theuser device 10, notifies an event occurring in the game progress and thelike. The game management unit 213 manages the game progress based on anelapsed time (step number) after the start of the game. Specifically,the game management unit 213 synchronizes the game progress between eachuser device 10 as a client and the management server 20 based on thestep number. When retrieving a request inconsistent with the gameprogress in the management server 20 from the user device 10, the gamemanagement unit 213 handles the request as an unauthorized activity bythe user device 10.

The progress management unit 214 manages the game progress in themanagement server 20. The progress management unit 214 synchronizes thegame progress in the management server 20 and the game progress in eachuser device 10.

The user information storage unit 22 stores user information on usersplaying the game. The user information storage unit 22 stores the userinformation on user registrations. The user information includes data onclient ID and attributes.

The client ID data area records therein data on identifiers foridentifying each user.

The attribute data area records therein data on attributes of the users.The attributes include information on a user group to which the userbelongs as well as skills and items of a game character of the user.

The connection state storage unit 23 stores connection managementinformation for managing a connection state with a user device 10. Theconnection management information is registered when the user device 10is connected to the management server 20. The connection managementinformation includes data on group IDs, client IDs, latency, andstatuses.

The group ID area records therein data on an identifier for identifyinga user group made of users playing the game in synchronization with thefirst user.

The client ID data area records therein data on an identifier foridentifying each user device 10 (client) included in the user group.

The latency data area records therein data on a connection state(latency, herein) with each client (user device 10).

The status data area records therein information for determiningvalidity of a request retrieved from each client. In the presentembodiment, an abnormality flag is recorded in the status data area fora client having a higher latency than a threshold. A request from theuser device 10 of a client for which an abnormality flag is recorded inthe status data area is determined as unauthorized.

The game information storage unit 24 stores game management informationon the game progress situation. The game management information isregistered when the user plays the game, and is updated during the game.The game management information includes data on group IDs, client IDs,a game being used, and a progress situation.

The group ID area records therein data on an identifier for identifyinga user group to which each user belongs.

The client ID data area records therein data for an identifier foridentifying each user device 10 included in the user group.

The using game data area records therein data on an identifier foridentifying the game used by the user group.

The progress situation data area records therein data on a progresssituation of the game. In the present embodiment, an event (such asoperation for object arrangement or the like) in each client is recordedin association with the step number as a counted game progress.

A game management method when the users of the user devices 10 of theclients A to C play a game in one user group by use of above the systemwill be described below.

Latency Management Process

A latency management process will be first described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 5. In the latency management process, latency of each clientis managed from the start of the game to the end of the game.

At first, the user device 10 periodically performs a latency measurementprocess (step S1-1). Specifically, the delay processing unit 11 in theuser device 10 periodically transmits ping to the management server 20.When receiving the ping, the management server 20 returns a response tothe ping. The delay processing unit 11 measures network latency (delaytime) based on a required time from the transmission of the ping to thereturn. The delay processing unit 11 holds the measured latency. In FIG.5, the clients A to C transmit ping for measuring latency at points intime t11 to t13, respectively.

The user device 10 then performs a latency transmission process (stepS1-2). Specifically, the delay processing unit 11 transmits latencyinformation to the management server 20. The latency informationincludes information for identifying a user device 10 and information ona latency measured in the user device 10. In FIG. 5, the clients A to Ctransmit the latency information at points in time t21 to t23,respectively. The user device 10 repeats the processes subsequent to thelatency measurement process (step S1-1) at the next measurement timing.

The control unit 21 in the management server 20 then performs a latencyretrieving process (step S2-1). Specifically, the delay management unit212 in the control unit 21 retrieves latency information transmittedfrom the user device 10.

The control unit 21 then performs a latency storage process (step S2-2).Specifically, the delay management unit 212 stores latency in theconnection state storage unit 23 in association with the client ID ofthe user device 10. When first retrieving latency, the delay managementunit 212 associates the latency with the group ID and the client ID,thereby generating connection state management information, andregisters the connection state management information in the connectionstate storage unit 23. On the other hand, when the connection statemanagement information for the user device 10 is previously registeredin the connection state storage unit 23, the delay management unit 212updates the latency in the connection state management information to alatest latency, and stores the updated connection state managementinformation.

The control unit 21 then performs a determination process as to whetherthe user device 10 is in a client abnormal state (step S2-3).Specifically, the delay management unit 212 compares the latencyretrieved from the user device 10 with the threshold. When the latencyis higher than the threshold, the user device 10 is determined as beingin the client abnormal state.

When the latency is equal to or lower than the threshold, the delaymanagement unit 212 determines that the user device 10 is not in theclient abnormal state (“NO” in step S2-3). In this case, the controlunit 21 terminates the latency management process.

On the other hand, when the delay management unit 212 determines thatthe user device 10 is in the client abnormal state (“YES” in step S2-3),the control unit 21 performs a request invalidation process (step S2-4).Specifically, the delay management unit 212 stores an abnormality flagas a status for the connection state management information in theconnection state storage unit 23 and terminates the latency managementprocess. During the progress of the game, the game management unit 213ignores a request from the user device 10 for which an abnormality flagis stored.

Game Starting Process

A game starting process will be described below with reference to FIGS.3 and 5. The process is performed when the management server 20 receivesa game start request from the user device 10 (when the game is started).

The control unit 21 first performs a maximum latency identifying process(step S3-1). Specifically, the game management unit 213 in the controlunit 21 retrieves connection state management information storing thesame group ID therein from the connection state storage unit 23, andidentifies the values of latency of the user devices 10 belonging to thesame group. In this case, the game management unit 213 ignores latencyfor which an abnormality flag is stored. The game management unit 213identifies the maximum value from among the identified values oflatency. In the present embodiment, the values of latency of the clientsA to C are assumed as 50 ms, 30 ms, and 200 ms, respectively. In thiscase, the maximum value of the latency is 200 ms.

The control unit 21 then performs a process of determining an offsethigher than the maximum value (step S3-2). Specifically, the gamemanagement unit 213 identifies an offset (moratorium time) higher thanthe maximum value of the latency. A value obtained by multiplying themaximum value by a predetermined value (such as 1.5) is determined as anoffset. Specifically, an offset of 300 ms (300=200×1.5) is calculatedfor the maximum value (200 ms). The offset calculation may employ anycalculation method previously stored in the game management unit 213,and is not limited to the multiplication by a fixed number.

The control unit 21 then performs an offset notification process (stepS3-3). Specifically, the game management unit 213 transmits start timeinformation to the user device 10. The start time information includesinformation on the determined offset.

The control unit 21 then performs a game starting process (step S3-4).Specifically, the progress management unit 214 in the control unit 21starts the game in the management server 20 after the offset elapses. InFIG. 5, the progress management unit 214 starts the game at a point intime t40 after the offset elapses. The progress management unit 214advances the game by incrementing the step number at predeterminedintervals.

On the other hand, the user device 10 that has received the offsetperforms a start standby process (step S4-1). Specifically, the gameprocessing unit 12 in the user device 10 calculates the start time ofthe game by subtracting the latency stored in the delay processing unit11 from the offset retrieved from the management server 20. For example,the start times of the clients A to C are 250 ms [300 ms-50 ms], 270 ms[300 ms-30 ms], and 100 ms [300 ms-200 ms], respectively. The gameprocessing unit 12 stands by for the start time.

When the start time passes by, the user device 10 performs a gamestarting process (step S4-2). Specifically, the game processing unit 12starts the game. In FIG. 5, the clients A to C start the game at thepoint in time t40 after the offset elapses. Each game processing unit 12increments the step number at predetermined intervals, thereby advancingthe game.

Request Handling Process

A request handling process will be described below with reference toFIG. 4. It is assumed herein that a request is retrieved from the userdevice 10 of the client A.

At first, the user device 10 performs an operation requesting process(step S5-1). Specifically, the game processing unit 12 determines anevent based on a user operation. An object arrangement is assumed as anevent. In this case, the game processing unit 12 of the client Acalculates a step number in consideration of the latency at the clientA. A value (server step number) obtained by adding the value obtained bydividing the latency by a step unit time to the step number (local stepnumber) on the operation at the client A is calculated. The gameprocessing unit 12 transmits an object arrangement request to themanagement server 20. The request includes data on kind of object,arrangement position and server step number. In FIG. 6, the client Atransmits the object arrangement request at a point in time t51.

The user device 10 then performs a dummy process on a temporaldifference until an event (step S5-2). Specifically, the game processingunit 12 outputs an animation or the like indicating that the event is inpreparation (object arrangement is in preparation).

After retrieving a request, the control unit 21 performs an operationdetection process (step S6-1). Specifically, the game management unit213 retrieves an operation (object arrangement) request from the userdevice 10 of the client A.

The control unit 21 then performs a maximum latency identifying process(step S6-2). Specifically, the game management unit 213 retrieves theconnection state management information storing the same group IDtherein from the connection state storage unit 23, and identifies themaximum value of the latency.

The control unit 21 then performs a designation step determinationprocess based on latency (step S6-3). Specifically, the game managementunit 213 calculates an event execution time point, in which a margin isadded to the maximum value of the latency. The game management unit 213divides the event execution time point by a step unit time, andcalculates the step number for making the object arrangement.

The control unit 21 then performs a designation step notificationprocess (step S6-4). Specifically, the game management unit 213 notifiesan event to the user devices 10 of the clients A to C. The notificationincludes data on event contents (object arrangement at the client A) anddesignation step number. In FIG. 6, the management server 20 notifies adesignation step for event execution at a point in time t60.

The control unit 21 then performs an event standby process (step S6-5).Specifically, the progress management unit 214 suspends the start of theevent until the designation step.

The control unit 21 then performs an event execution process (stepS6-6). Specifically, the progress management unit 214 stores the event(object arrangement) in the game information storage unit 24 in theprogress of the game in the management server 20 in the designationstep. In FIG. 6, the progress management unit 214 makes the objectarrangement at a point in time t70.

The user device 10 receiving the event notification performs an eventstandby process (step S5-3). Specifically, the game processing unit 12waits for the event to start until the designation step from themanagement server 20.

The user device 10 then performs an event execution process (step S5-4).Specifically, when the designation step arrives, the game processingunit 12 terminates the dummy, and makes the object arrangement.

Further, the user devices 10 of the client B and the client C alsoperform the event standby process (step S7-1) and the event executionprocess (step S7-2) similarly as in steps S5-3 and S5-4. In FIG. 6, theclients A to C make the object arrangement at the point in time t70.

The above described embodiment achieves the following advantages.

(1) The user device 10 performs the latency measurement process (stepS1-1) and the latency transmission process (step S1-2). The control unit21 in the management server 20 performs the latency retrieving process(step S2-1) and the latency recording process (step S2-2). Thereby, themanagement server 20 can determine the delay situation at each client.In particular, the processes are periodically performed to cope withchanges in communication state between the server and the clients. Evenif the communication state between the management server 20 and a userdevice 10 is changed, the management server 20 and the user device 10can be synchronized.

(2) The progress management unit 214 manages the game progress in themanagement server 20. The progress management unit 214 synchronizes thegame progress at the management server 20 with the game progress at eachuser device 10. Further, when retrieving a request inconsistent with thegame progress at the management server 20 from a user device 10, thegame management unit 213 handles the request as an unauthorized activityof the user device 10. Thereby, the game progress is managed at themanagement server 20, and thus an unauthorized activity at each clientcan be monitored. Furthermore, even if a communication failure occursbetween a user device 10 and the management server 20, the user device10 can continue the game after recovering from the failure.

(3) The delay management unit 212 compares the latency retrieved from auser device 10 with a threshold, and when the latency is higher than thethreshold, determines that the client is abnormal. When determining thatthe client is abnormal (“YES” in step S2-3), the control unit 21performs the request invalidation process (step S2-4). Thereby, effectsby a client having a large delay can be restricted in the game progress.In contrast, when the latency is equal to or less than the threshold,the control unit 21 executes the request from the user device 10.Thereby, even when a communication failure occurs with a specific userdevice 10, the effects on the other user devices 10 is restricted.

(4) The control unit 21 performs the maximum latency identifying process(step S3-1), the process for determining an offset higher than themaximum value (step S3-2), and the offset notification process (stepS3-3). Thereby, a client with a large delay can start the gamesimultaneously. The game progress can be synchronized between the userdevices 10 at the clients and the management server 20.

(5) The user device 10 performs the operation requesting process (stepS5-1). In this case, the game processing unit 12 calculates the stepnumber in consideration of the latency at the client A. Thereby, thestep number in the game progress at the management server 20 can beidentified and the user device 10 can transmit a request.

Further, the user device 10 performs the dummy process on a temporaldifference until an event (step S5-2). Thereby, a time from an operationat the client (object arrangement operation) to event execution (objectarrangement) can be secured.

(6) The control unit 21 performs the maximum latency identifying process(step S6-2), the latency-based designation step determination process(step S6-3), and the designation step notification process (step S6-4).Thereby, also when a client with a large delay is included in the groupplaying the game, an event can be executed at the clientssimultaneously.

The above illustrated embodiment may be modified as follows.

-   -   In the above illustrated embodiment, the control unit 21        performs the latency-based designation step determination        process (step S6-3). When the latency at the first user device        10 is high, a subsequent step at the second user device 10, such        as a request for the operation in the second step subsequent to        the first step may precede the request for the operation in the        first step at the first user device 10. That is, the management        server 20 may receive a request for the operation in a        subsequent step at the second user device 10 ahead of a request        for the operation in the first step at the first user device 10.        A designation step may be determined in consideration of such a        situation.

The request handling process in this case will be described withreference to FIG. 7.

In this case, the control unit 21 performs the operation detectionprocess (step S8-1) and the maximum latency identifying process (stepS8-2) similarly as in steps S6-1 and S6-2.

The control unit 21 then performs a determination process as to whetherthe preceding and subsequent steps are reversed (step S8-3).Specifically, the game management unit 213 checks whether a request in asubsequent step has arrived earlier based on the step number included inthe request. When the step number included in the later-incoming requestis higher than the step number included in the earlier-incoming request,the game management unit 213 determines that the preceding andsubsequent steps are reversed.

When the game management unit 213 determines that the preceding andsubsequent steps are not reversed (“NO” in step S8-3), the control unit21 performs the latency-based designation step determination processsimilarly as in step S6-3 (step S8-4).

On the other hand, when the game management unit 213 determines that thepreceding and subsequent steps are reversed (“YES” in step S8-3), thecontrol unit 21 performs the designation step determination processbased on the earlier-incoming request (step S8-5). Specifically, thegame management unit 213 designates a later step than the designationstep for the earlier-incoming request. An event execution time point iscalculated in which a margin is added to the maximum value of thelatency. The game management unit 213 divides the event execution timepoint by a step unit time, thereby calculating the step number forexecuting the event (object arrangement). The game management unit 213checks whether the calculated step number is higher than the designationstep for the earlier-incoming request. When the step number is lowerthan the designation step for the earlier-incoming request, the gamemanagement unit 213 identifies, as a designation step number, the stepnumber obtained adding the maximum value of the latency to the stepnumber corresponding to the margin.

The control unit 21 then performs a designation step notificationprocess (step S8-6) to an event execution process (step S8-8) similarlyas in steps S6-4 to S6-6.

Thereby, when a request with a subsequent step number has arrivedearlier due to a difference in latency, the request can be handled inorder of arrival of requests. When an inconvenience is caused during theprogress of the game due to handling of a later-incoming request, thelater-incoming request can be ignored.

-   -   In the above illustrated embodiment, the connection management        information for managing a connection state with the user device        10 is stored. The connection management information stores        therein data on group IDs, client IDs, latency and statuses. The        maximum value out of the values of latency of the clients in the        user group is used to determine the game start time point or a        designation step. The latency used for synchronization is not        limited to the maximum value. For example, a latency history may        be stored per client in the user group and an average value of        the values of latency in a predetermined period may be used. In        this case, the maximum value out of the average values of the        values of latency of the clients in the user group is used for        synchronization.

A fluctuation range may be calculated that has a certain value or lessbased on latency. In this case, a value including latency is used at acertain statistical probability based on the latency history. Forexample, a calculated value in which a standard deviation of the latencyis added to an average value of the values of latency of the clients inthe user group is used. The maximum value out of the calculated valuesis used for synchronization.

-   -   In the above illustrated embodiment, the user device 10 performs        the latency measurement process (step S1-1). The user device 10        performs the latency transmission process (step S1-2). Instead,        the management server 20 may measure latency. In this case, the        delay management unit 212 in the control unit 21 transmits ping        to the user device 10 of each client, and measures latency. The        delay management unit 212 transmits latency to the user device        10 of each client.    -   In the above illustrated embodiment, ping is periodically        transmitted to perform the latency measurement process (step        S1-1). The latency measurement timing is not limited thereto.        The latency measurement interval may be changed depending on the        kind of the game. In this case, the delay management unit 212        stores timing information storing a latency measurement interval        in association with the kind of the game. The delay management        unit 212 identifies a latency measurement interval corresponding        to the kind of the game to be played, and performs the latency        measurement process by use of the latency measurement interval.        The definition of synchronization in the progress of the game is        different depending on the kind of the game. For example, some        games require rigid synchronization and other games require only        loose synchronization. Therefore, a request can be handled in        consideration of a synchronization state (rigidity of        synchronization) depending on the kind of the game.

Moreover, the latency measurement interval may be changed depending onthe view of the game. In this case, the latency measurement interval isstored in association with the step number of the game progress.

Further, the latency measurement interval may be changed depending on alatency dispersion state. In this case, the delay management unit 212identifies the latency histories of the user devices 10 belonging to thesame group, and calculates the distribution of values of latency. Whenthe values of latency change varies in a small range, for example, whenthe range of changes in latency in the history is smaller than or equalto a reference value, the latency measurement interval is increased. Onthe other hand, when the range of change in latency is large, forexample, when the range of change in latency in the history exceeds thereference value, the latency measurement interval is reduced. Thereby,the game progress can be managed in consideration of a balance betweenthe processing load and the accuracy in latency evaluation depending onthe latency dispersion situation.

The latency measurement interval may be changed depending on the numberof participants in the game in the group. In this case, the delaymanagement unit 212 stores timing information storing a latencymeasurement interval in association with the number of participants. Thedelay management unit 212 identifies a latency measurement intervaldepending on the kind of the game to be used, and performs the latencymeasurement process by use of the latency measurement interval. Thereby,the game progress can be efficiently managed depending on the number ofparticipants in the game.

-   -   In the above illustrated embodiment, when determining that the        client is abnormal (“YES” in step S2-3), the control unit 21        performs the request invalidation process (step S2-4). A        threshold for determining a client abnormality may be changed.        In this case, the threshold may be changed depending on the kind        of the game. In this case, the game management unit 213 stores        threshold information storing a threshold in association with        the kind of the game. The game management unit 213 identifies a        threshold corresponding to the kind of the game to be used, and        performs the request invalidation process by use of the        threshold. Thereby, the request can be handled in consideration        of a synchronization situation (rigidity of synchronization)        depending on the kind of the game.

Further, the threshold may be changed depending on the view of the game.In this case, the threshold is stored in association with the stepnumber of the game progress.

Furthermore, the threshold may be changed depending on a latencydispersion situation. In this case, the game management unit 213identifies the latency histories of the user devices 10 belonging to thesame group, and calculates the distribution of values of latency. Whenthe values of latency varies in a small range, for example, when therange of change in latency in the history is smaller than or equal to areference value, the threshold is increased. On the other hand, when therange of change in latency is large, for example, when the range ofchange in latency in the history exceeds the reference value, thethreshold is reduced. Thereby, a latency permitted range can be changeddepending on the latency dispersion situation, while permitting the gameto progress.

Moreover, the threshold may be changed depending on the number ofparticipants in the game in the group. In this case, the game managementunit 213 stores timing information storing a threshold in associationwith the number of participants. The game management unit 213 identifiesa threshold corresponding to the kind of the game to be used, andperforms the request invalidation process by use of the threshold. Inthis case, when the number of participants in the game is large, thegame management unit 213 increases the threshold, thereby widening thepermitted range. Thereby, the game progress can be efficiently manageddepending on the number of participants in the game.

-   -   In the above illustrated embodiment, the user device 10 performs        the game starting process (step S4-2). The user device 10 of        each client participating in the game starts the game        simultaneously, and synchronizes the step number of the game        progress. The step number may be synchronized during the game        progress. In this case, the management server 20 performs a        halfway adjusting process. In this case, the game management        unit 213 stores data on a threshold (delay step number) for        determining whether synchronization is necessary.

The halfway adjusting process will be described with reference to FIG.8.

At first, the user device 10 periodically performs a step numbertransmission process herein (step S9-1). Specifically, the gameprocessing unit 12 periodically transmits the current step number to themanagement server 20.

In this case, the control unit 21 performs the step number retrievingprocess (step S9-2). Specifically, the game management unit 213periodically retrieves the current step number from the user device 10of each client.

The control unit 21 then performs the step number correction processbased on latency (step S9-3). Specifically, the game management unit 213retrieves the latency of the user device 10 of which the current stepnumber is retrieved from the connection state storage unit 23. Then, thegame management unit 213 calculates a value (delay step number) obtainedby dividing the latency by a step unit time. The game management unit213 adds the delay step number to the current step number, therebycalculating a local step number.

The control unit 21 then performs a determination process as to whethera difference is at a threshold or more (step S9-4). Specifically, thegame management unit 213 calculates the difference between the serverstep number when the current step number is retrieved from the userdevice 10 and the local step number. The game management unit 213compares the difference with the threshold.

When determining that the difference is lower than the threshold (“NO”in step S9-4), the control unit 21 terminates the halfway adjustingprocess.

On the other hand, when determining that the difference is at thethreshold or more (“YES” in step S9-4), the control unit 21 performs thecurrent step number correction process based on latency (step 59-5).Specifically, the game management unit 213 calculates a corrected stepnumber in which the delay step number is added to the current serverstep number.

The control unit 21 then performs a synchronization instruction process(step S9-6). Specifically, the game management unit 213 transmits asynchronization instruction to the user device 10 that has retrieved astep number. The synchronization instruction includes data on thecorrected step number.

The user device 10 that has retrieved the synchronization instructionperforms a synchronization process (step S9-7). Specifically, the gameprocessing unit 12 skips the steps of the game progress that precede thecorrected step number retrieved from the management server 20. Thereby,when the game progress at the management server 20 is offset from thegame progress at the client of the delayed user device 10, the progressstates are synchronized.

-   -   In the above illustrated embodiment, the user devices 10 of the        clients A to C are assumed to play the game in one group. The        group may be generated in consideration of values of latency. A        grouping process is performed for generating a group in which        clients of which the values of latency are within a        predetermined range are put together.

The grouping process will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

At first, the control unit 21 performs a latency retrieving process forthose who want to participate (step S10-1). Specifically, the gamemanagement unit 213 retrieves the latency of a client who wants toparticipate in the game from the user device 10.

The control unit 21 then performs a group creation process on clientswith close values of latency (step S10-2). Specifically, the gamemanagement unit 213 identifies clients whose retrieved values of latencyare within a predetermined range. The game management unit 213 registersthe identified clients as one group in the game information storage unit24.

The control unit 21 then performs the game starting process illustratedin FIG. 3 (step S10-3).

Thereby, the clients with less different values of latency can play thegame, thereby easily synchronizing the game progress. A variation indelay time can be restricted and the game progress can be efficientlysynchronized.

A group may be created in consideration of attributes of the users (suchas game skill or level of user's game character). In this case, thecontrol unit 21 identifies common users (group candidates) based on theattributes stored in the user information storage unit 22. The controlunit 21 performs the grouping process for the users in the groupcandidates, thereby creating a group made of clients with close valuesof latency.

1. A system comprising: circuitry configured to retrieve a delay time ofeach of a plurality of user devices playing a game; store the delaytimes retrieved from each of the plurality of user devices; and transmitan instruction to synchronize game progress to each of the user devices,the instruction including an offset time determined based on a maximumvalue of the stored delay times.